For the first time in nearly 20 years, Hulon Baptist Church, Batesburg, sent a group of eight girls to Camp La Vida this summer. Pictured in top photo are Acteens Micala Fox, Jenny Alveshire, Emily Blume and Rachel Gibson, who attended Youth on Missions camp in July. Next photo (front row): Taylor Shealy and Olivia Fallaw; (back row) Abby Blume and Matilyn Hartley, who attended GA camp in June.
A mission team from Powdersville First Baptist Church partnered this summer with Week of Hope, a missions-minded organization based in Orlando, to work with Orange County Academy, which serves at-risk youth and their families in Bithlo, Fla. During their trip, the team worked on a variety of projects, including home improvements for a local resident, and conducted Vacation Bible School and a community-wide block party.
Six and Twenty Baptist Church, Pendleton, baptized three new members during the month of September. Pictured from left are pastor Willie Honea with baptismal candidates Steve Haney, Kevin Bearden and Justin Emery.
Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Hartsville, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sept. 16, with former pastors, former members and friends of the church family in attendance; gospel singing; and recognition of several members for their years of service to the church.
Cherokee Springs Baptist Church, Spartanburg, hosted a Fireman Appreciation Day for Cherokee Springs Fire Department on Oct. 14. Pictured from left are pastor Michael Boyter; Trent Harper, chief of the fire department; Chris Howard, assistant chief; and Jack Davis, chairman of the fire department’s commission board.
The Acteens of Mountain Rest Baptist Church, Beaverdam Association, recently donated $740 to the Oconee County school district’s program to feed children on weekends. Over the past several months, the girls held several projects to raise money, including a car wash, an all-day Saturday spa and a soup luncheon, and also sold study boards which they had made. From left are Acteens Sarah Magley, Kelly Provost, Kaitlyn Cain, D.J. Roach, Grace Moxley and Elizabeth Cagle, pictured with John Michael Powell (center), who received the check on behalf of the Backpack Program. Acteens not pictured: Emily Penn and Ann Marie Cagle. Robin Moxley and Sally Gravino are co-leaders of the Acteens.
Union Baptist Church, Marion Association, held an area-wide free “yard sale” Sept. 22. Around 250 people attended the mission event and were invited to a community meal sponsored by the church’s mission action group each quarter. During the yard sale, the church learned of three families in need and were able to provide them with food from the church’s food pantry.
Victor Baptist Church, Greer, recognized Nita McCall on July 29 for 40 years of service as pianist, hosting a reception in her honor. Pictured is McCall with pastor Ken Vickery, who presented her with a study Bible, flowers and a gift card on behalf of the congregation.
Temple Baptist Church, Simpsonville, honored music and evangelism director Steve Evans and his wife, Stacie, on Sept. 30 for eight years of service to the church. The congregation presented a love offering to them in appreciation for their ministry.
Powdersville First Baptist Church sponsored free oil changes to single moms, elderly residents, and other needy members of the community during the month of August. The ongoing ministry will sponsor its next event in February 2013. Pictured in top photo is church member Jo Anne Creswell, right, as she registers someone for an oil change. The church also held its fifth annual First Fest event this year, with activities for children that included bounce houses, music, food, and a fire truck display. Pictured at this year’s First Fest is Pistol the clown creating balloon animals for the kids.
Fairforest Baptist Church, Union, baptized 11 new members from March-August 2012. Allen Gregory is pastor at Fairforest.